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How to Dust Proof a Bedroom

Allergy Doctor in Atlanta, Lawrenceville, & Conyers GA

Learn how to dustproof a bedroom from the allergy doctors in Lawrenceville GA, Atlanta GA, & Conyers GA.

Allergy Doctor Near Me in Atlanta, Lawrenceville, & Conyers GA
Allergy Doctor Near Me in Atlanta, Lawrenceville, & Conyers GA

Table of Contents:

Preparation
Maintenance
Carpeting and Flooring
Beds and Bedding (This is Very Important!)
Furniture and Furnishings
Air Control
Children’s Rooms
Pets

If it has been determined that you or your child is allergic to dust mites, then it is imperative that you do everything possible to minimize exposure to these troublesome creatures. Recognize, however, that it is impossible to totally avoid exposure to dust mites and it is unreasonable to expect one to “dust proof” one’s entire house. However, there are some very important things which can and should be done in one’s bedroom to significantly reduce exposure to dust mites and their allergenic waste products. Put all of your efforts into eliminating dust mites in the bedroom of the allergic individual. We all deserve to sleep in a healthy and allergy-free environment!

We strongly recommend the following guidelines.

Preparation

  • Completely empty the room, just as if you were moving.
  • Empty and clean all closets and, if possible, store unused contents elsewhere.
  • Keep clothing in zippered plastic bags and shoes in boxes off the floor.
  • Remove carpeting, if possible.
  • Clean and scrub the woodwork and floors thoroughly to remove all traces of dust.
  • Wipe wood, tile, or linoleum floors with water, wax, or oil.
  • Keep the doors and windows closed until the dust-sensitive person is ready to use the room.

Maintenance

  • Wear a filter mask when cleaning.
  • Clean the room thoroughly and completely once a week.
  • Clean floors, furniture, tops of doors, window frames and sills, etc., with a damp cloth or mop.
  • Carefully vacuum carpet and upholstery regularly.
  • Use a special filter in the vacuum or a HEPA vacuum cleaner.
  • Wash curtains often at 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Air the room thoroughly.

Carpeting and Flooring

  • Carpeting makes dust control almost impossible. Although shag carpets are the worst type to have, if you are dust sensitive, all carpets trap dust mites and are potentially problematic. Therefore, your allergist will likely recommend hardwood, tile, linoleum, or any other hard surface floor.
  • Treating carpets with a commercially available tannic acid solution can be helpful in eliminating some dust mite allergen. Tannic acid, however, is not as effective as removing the carpet, is irritating to some people, and must be applied repeatedly.

Beds and Bedding (This is Very Important!)

  • Encase mattresses and all pillows in zippered, dust-proof or allergen-proof!
  • Use only washable materials on the bed. Sheets, blankets, and other bedclothes should be washed frequently in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures will not kill dust mites.
  • If you set your hot water temperature lower (commonly done to prevent children from scalding themselves), wash items at a laundromat which uses high wash temperatures.
  • Use only synthetic mattress pads.
  • Avoid fuzzy wool blankets or feather or wool-stuffed comforters and mattress pads. Hypo-allergenic blankets and comforters are recommended.

Furniture and Furnishings

  • Keep furniture and furnishings to a minimum.
  • Avoid upholstered furniture and blinds. Use leather furniture, when possible.
  • Use only a wooden or metal chair that you can wipe with a wet cloth.
  • Use only plain, lightweight, washable curtains on the windows.
  • Keep clutter to a minimum.

Air Control

  • Although air filters are not directly helpful for dust mites (since they are not airborne), they can reduce the levels of allergens in the bedroom. Electrostatic and HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorption) filters can effectively remove many other allergens from the air.
  • A dehumidifier may helpful as house mites require high humidity to live and grow.

Children’s Rooms

  • Keep toys that will accumulate dust out of the child’s bedroom.
  • Limit the number of stuffed animals and toys to a very few favorites. Wash them frequently in hot water, as described above.
  • Optimally, use only washable toys of wood, rubber, metal, or plastic.
  • Store toys in a closed toy box or chest.

Pets

  • Keep all animals with fur or feathers out of the bedroom. If you are allergic to dust mites, you could also be allergic or develop an allergy to cats, dogs, or other animals.

Although these steps may seem difficult at first, experience plus habit will make them easier. The results—better breathing, fewer medicines, and greater freedom from allergy and asthma attacks—will be well worth the effort.

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Lawrenceville, GA

  • 565 Old Norcross Rd. Lawrenceville, GA, 30046
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Atlanta, GA

Conyers, GA

  • 1755 Parker Rd, Suite A120 Conyers, GA, 30094
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